8 rising stars who shone bright at Paris Olympics: From Quincy Wilson to Ilona Maher

8 surprising champions of Paris Olympics: From Kim Yeji to Thomas Ceccon

The Paris 2024 Olympics have delivered a mix of breathtaking athletic feats and social media moments that have captivated audiences worldwide. While Simone Biles and Coco Gauff drew significant attention for their standout performances, several lesser-known athletes have also emerged as surprising breakout stars. Here’s a look at some of the most unexpected heroes from the Games.

1) Katerina Siniakova and Tomas Machac

Czech Republic tennis stars Katerina Siniakova and Tomas Machac have become internet sensations following their gold medal win in the mixed doubles. Despite recently breaking up after a four-year relationship, the pair showcased remarkable chemistry on the court, culminating in a passionate kiss that has sparked widespread speculation and excitement online. Fans are eagerly awaiting any confirmation or denial about their relationship status.

2) Stephen Nedoroscik

Stephen Nedoroscik, a member of the US men’s gymnastics team, has gained fame for his powerful pommel horse routine. His performance, coupled with his distinctive Clark Kent-like persona—complete with glasses removal before his routine—has made him an internet sensation. Known for his strategic approach to the pommel horse, Nedoroscik's viral status has catapulted him into the spotlight.

3) Ilona Maher

US rugby player Ilona Maher has charmed fans with her blend of athletic prowess and engaging social media presence. The bronze medalist’s TikTok videos, featuring everything from fit checks to body positivity discussions, have garnered widespread admiration and made her a beloved figure beyond the rugby field.

4) Thomas Ceccon

Thomas Ceccon is making waves both in the pool and on social media. Known for his impressive skills and striking appearance, Ceccon’s performances and charming personality have made him a heartthrob of the Games. At this year's Games, he's not just winning medals but also winning hearts. His striking appearance has caught the attention of fans globally, with videos of him swimming, walking, talking, and smiling rapidly filling our feeds. Ceccon has been dubbed the "hot Italian swimmer" and his association with a prosciutto brand has only added to his allure among fans.

5) Kim Yeji

South Korean shooter Kim Yeji has impressed with her skills and futuristic style. Competing in the 10-meter air pistol event, Yeji’s silver medal win was overshadowed by her distinctive look, complete with a backward baseball cap and high-tech glasses. Her unique appearance and composed demeanor have made her a standout figure.

6) Suni Lee

Team USA gymnast Sunia 'Suni' Lee, who clinched a bronze medal in the individual all-around finals on August 1 and a gold with her team on July 30, has been sharing her Paris Games experience on social media. Her TikTok videos with teammates have gone viral, captivating fans around the globe. “On top of the world rn,” she wrote alongside a video of herself proudly displaying her medal after the team’s victory. In addition to her longstanding reputation as a champion, Lee has also emerged as a social media sensation at these Games. She boasts 1.9 million followers

7) Quincy Wilson

Quincy Wilson is a standout American track and field athlete known for his prowess in the 400 meters. In March 2024, while representing Maryland's Bullis School, he established a world best for the indoor 400 meters in the under-18 category. By July 2024, he also set a world record for the outdoor 400 meters in the same age group. Over the weekend, Wilson celebrated a major triumph as he earned a gold medal with the US team in the 4x400-meter relay at the Paris Olympics. Wilson competed alongside Vernon Norwood, Bryce Deadmon, and Christopher Bailey in the relay. Together, they advanced to the finals and ultimately clinched the gold, outpacing teams from Botswana and Great Britain while setting a new Olympic record.

8) Lauren Scruggs

Lauren Scruggs made history at the 2024 Paris Games by securing a silver medal in the women’s individual foil event, becoming the first Black American woman to achieve this for Team USA. In the semifinals, Scruggs competed against Eleanor Harvey of Canada, while Lee Kiefer, another US fencer, faced Alice Volpi of Italy. A native of Queens, New York, and a current Harvard student, Scruggs is the first Black fencer from the US to win an individual medal in a women’s event. The last time an all-US final occurred in Olympic fencing was in 2008 when Mariel Zagunis defeated Sada Jacobson in saber during an American podium sweep.